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Thinking of your next trip? Derry in 2026 is brimming with history, culture, adventure, and surprises around every corner. From iconic walls and colourful murals to award-winning food, live music, and epic coastal adventures, this vibrant city has something for everyone. We’ve rounded up 26 reasons why 2026 should be the year you finally visit — and trust us, you won’t want to miss a single one. 

As the hustle and bustle of Christmas winds down and the New Year's celebrations await, there's a delightful in-between period known as Twixmas – a magical time to extend the festive spirit with your loved ones.

Derry City and Strabane District Council is delighted to announce the return of the popular Love LegenDerry Food Month, taking place throughout February 2026 across the Derry and Strabane district.

Our legenderry Walled City is renowed for its warm welcome, great craic, music scene and atmosphere.

With winter upon us, shorter days and darker nights, there's no better way to spend the evening than by checking out some of the city's cosiest pubs.

Now that December is upon us, we are well and truly feeling the Christmas spirit here in the Walled City. If you haven't experienced a Derry Christmas just yet, we have curated a guide so you can make the most of a festive day out in Derry~Londonderry. From magical Christmas attractions to late-night shopping, cosy coffee shops to Christmassy cocktails in our many pubs & restaurants, there's something for everyone. 

The festive season has arrived and, whilst Christmas is about presence as opposed to presents, we have curated a list of must-visit places to shop in the Walled City this Christmas should you be hoping to purchase a "little something" for your nearest & dearest. 

Derry city centre is set to burst into festive colour and cheer this Friday, November 21^st, as thousands gather to welcome the return of the annual Christmas Light Switch-On. The much-loved procession will be led by Santa Claus himself, joined by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, as they illuminate the city for Christmas 2025.

As the festive season begins, Translink is pleased to announce an enhanced schedule of late-night bus and train services for Derry~Londonderry, offering residents and visitors convenient and sustainable travel options to enjoy seasonal events, shopping, and local hospitality.

Strabane is set to sparkle this festive season as the town comes alive for its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 22nd November, promising a full day of family fun, festive markets, live entertainment and community cheer from 12 noon to 5:30pm.

Members of the public are being encouraged to join in the celebrations for Ulster-Scots Language Week 2025, taking place from 24–28 November, with a vibrant programme of events across the City and District.

The city and district’s festive campaign for 2025 will get off to a visually enticing start with the opening of the 2025 Guildhall Craft Fair next weekend. Coming just weeks after the hugely successful Halloween celebrations, the fair marks the official start of the Council's Christmas festivities.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh welcomed the Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, along with CEO of Tourism Ireland, Alice Mansergh, and CEO of Tourism NI, Laura McCorry, to the city yesterday for the opening night of the Derry Halloween festivities and the Awakening the Walled City Trail.